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Over the course of a 40-year career, women are expected to lose approximately $430,480 due to today’s maddening gender wage gap. Despite challenges from critics who claim that this wage gap doesn’t exist, it is well-documented that women earn, on average, 24 percent less than their male counterparts — and this number rises to nearly 30 percent in industries like finance and insurance. While a lot of research has been done on the gender wage gap in traditional industries, we actually don’t know very much about how women are faring in the creative economy where workers set their own prices and choose which projects to take on. Surely, self-employed women must suffer less from the gender wage gap, given that they can dictate their own fees… right?

As we grow in our careers, we should be gaining confidence in our skills and most importantly the value we bring. Finding the right fit is hard - and it takes time. But working with great people, in a great company, that invests and supports in you as much as you are committed to them - that's pretty special.

If you (or your friends, family, cousins ex-boyfriend, etc.) are a creative graphic designers and/or talented web developer that wants to work with some interesting and fun clients, please send an email to alix@alixmyers.com.

Happy Friday! Please find below the first Cool Jobs feature on this blog. I aim to share a monthly list of interesting, creative and flexible work opportunities from across North America.

If you are starting your career or looking for a change, get it touch and let me help you strategize to land a job that is fulfilling and inspiring. If you are an employer, looking for invested, intelligent and creative hires, send me a note describing your organization, culture and job listing.

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. - Albert Einstein

Step 1, learning the rules of the game...

As you embark on a new career, evaluate a new opportunity or take your business in a new direction, it is imperative that you talk to people who have tried it before. This will help to DEFINE your industry/competitive landscape. But where to begin:

- Make a list of those people in your industry that you admire (be generous on how you define your industry (i.e.: If you are a photographer, your industry would include other photographers that you admire stylistically AND those who may not be producing product you identify with but are financially successful, local creative entrepreneurs (videographers, graphic designers, board members of the National/Local/International independent photographers association, industry award winners, etc.)).

**Think Globally. We exist and compete in an international market. Don't be afraid to approach people halfway across the world - they are normally the most inspiring.

- Track them down. It may take a little work to get the right contact details. If the individual has their own business, check their website (try to avoid info@blahblah.com and find their direct address). Otherwise, be creative. Call the main reception and ask whoever answers for the individual's email address. Google them - it is amazing (and frightening) what you can find.

HERE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE: Interested in blogging? A Beautiful Mess was one of the first DIY blogs to make it big. Not only has this duo grown their empire to include online courses and apps (I use A Color Story for everything), but products such as books and a paper goods subscription service. They have built a clear and consistent brand, communicated it effectively and creatively, and gained respect and an immense following. What's even better - they are pretty great at responding to new bloggers/businesspeople looking for advice. Imagine the value of having these two in your network...CLICK HERE: Blogging advice from the pros

- Reach out! Wait before you do that - you need to figure out how to get their attention. Chances are you are reaching out by email - it doesn't mean you can't throw in a little personal connection. Do some research and figure out how you are similar or different. Check LinkedIn (have your career paths mimicked one another), Facebook (do you know anyone in common?), and again Google (creepy yet so helpful). But if all else fails - COMPLIMENT them.

"Dear So and so, First and foremost, I need to tell you that I am such a huge fan of your work. Your exhibition at MOMA was incredibly inspiring and my family and I went back to visit numerous times...."

- Ask for help. Be confident yet modest and most importantly grateful. Appreciate these people are busy, so any time and/or advice they give you is a sacrifice on their part.

"As I begin this new venture, I would be so grateful if you would be willing to take some time to share advice/to answer a couple of questions/grab a coffee/review my website plan. Any time you can spare is so appreciated!"

- Follow-up. We are all overwhelmed by our inbox so feel free to follow-up - ONCE. Kindly and respectfully remind them of your email and request. But if you still get no response, time to move on.

The best way to learn about any industry is by getting advice from those who are in it, so don't shy away. If this is your passion/direction, creating a network of professionals in the know is the first step to establishing your brand. I have had great success connecting with individuals at the peaks of their careers (C-level executives), in the biggest corporations (Facebook, LinkedIn, BBC, etc.). Everyone started somewhere and most are willing to help others along their way.

My mission is to support individuals, creative professionals and small-business owners in attaining fulfilling work lives through intelligent brand and marketing strategies. Through this blog, I aim to share creative tactics, interesting storytelling and inspiring job opportunities.

I bring to the table a decade of experience working with some of the largest brands at the most respected agencies and a global perspective from my time spent working and living in 3 of the most powerful western economies (UK, CAN & US). This married with my high-level of education (Masters in Marketing Communications from the London College of Communications, University of Arts, London) will help me in supporting you through any transition or growth opportunity you are faced with.